“Part of the joy of being a teacher is encouraging students to develop self-belief and to understand that they can achieve success,” Mr Hyatt said.

“It is wonderful to see their improvements and share that progress with others.

“It is also rewarding to help students who are less fortunate – that is a really important aspect of Catholic education.”

Over the past 25 years the role of teachers had changed and the number of male teachers in the primary sector had declined, Mr Hyatt said.

“The focus of teaching has changed over the years,” Mr Hyatt said.

“It used to be a whole-class scenario, but now it is much more tailored to needs of individual students.

“Teachers specifically identify the needs of the students and then help them to achieve their learning goals and with individual learning pathways.”

Mr Hyatt urged more males to consider forging a rewarding career in the primary education sector.

Mr Hyatt, 50, was educated at Richmond Convent, Dominic College and the University of Tasmania. He is married to Kristine, a nurse at the Launceston General Hospital, and they have two children: Ben, 15, and Isaac, 12, both students at St Patrick’s College, Launceston.

Outside teaching, his interests focus on family life and his sons’ sporting interests, particularly cricket and football.